Gas shortage fears unsettle caterers during peak wedding season

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Caterers in the city are worried about a possible shortage of commercial LPG cylinders during the peak wedding season, raising concerns about how large-scale meals will be prepared for wedding functions. Around 200 caterers in the city are said to be anxious as uncertainty grows over gas supply.

Amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, there are fears that global developments could affect gas supply in India. Industry representatives believe the central government may prioritise domestic LPG supply, potentially limiting availability for commercial use. This could directly impact the hotel and catering sector at a time when more than 150 weddings are scheduled in the city in March alone, with many more planned until June.

“A single wedding requires 10 to 30 commercial cylinders. We usually receive cylinders directly at the venue on the day of the event, but agencies are currently not giving any assurance about supply,” said vice-president of the catering association, Prakash Deshpande.

Association secretary Ajit Koratkar said caterers plan to approach the district administration seeking a solution. Hotel industry representatives have also expressed concern, warning that if commercial gas supply is disrupted, operations could be severely affected.

Currently, commercial LPG cylinders cost around Rs 1,828. Earlier, bulk buyers received small discounts, but these have recently been withdrawn, further adding to concerns about future supply, said gas agency owner Mithun Vyas. Another agency owner, Mangesh Aswar, said there is some stock available at present, but the situation ahead remains uncertain.